Source text - EnglishThe glorious revolution of 1688 had conserved and sanctified, rather than radically altered, the English parliamentary structure. The landed aristocracy dominated politics, and the monarchy remained the constitutional center of government, subject to the practical necessity of finding a ministry that could work with Parliament. Because the Whig politicians believed that the settlement of 1688 could best be protected by supporting the Hanoverian succession, the first two Georges repaid this consideration by choosing parliamentary ministers from among the Whigs. During this period the power of the House of Commons grew as ministries became increasingly dependent upon it for support. Such a development disturbed neither the aristocracy nor the monarchy, because the Commons was not yet a popular body and could be managed by the oligarchy or the Court, either through nomination of candidates in teh constituencies or by patronage and influence. No man understood the power of the Crown's extensive patronage or managed the system more deftly than Rober Walpole. For that reason he was "Prime Minister" for two decades. The period, which was relatively peaceful, witnessed the expansion of English influence abroad through colonies, commerce, and seapower.